The American Rescue Plan Act, otherwise known as ARPA, provided $641 million to Baltimore through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elizabeth Tatum, deputy director of the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs, on Thursday discussed ways those funds are being allocated, like replacing the City Hall roof.

“That is obviously a large undertaking funded at $11.8 million, and ARPA is contributing $6.85 million,” Tatum said. “A notice to proceed was issued in December of 2024. Construction will start in April, and ARPA funds will be spent down first.”

Tatum also talked about City Schools and how money was dedicated to capital projects like AC installation at Northwestern High School, which is 35% complete.

“The $7 million here is all dedicated towards a group of capital projects,” Tatum said. “We do expect tariffs to impact this project because not all AC units are purchased yet. We will continue to communicate and coordinate with City Schools on the impact of tariffs.”

Although a report from Axios cites the Producer Price Index, a gauge of wholesale prices, which showed little sign of tariff-related price pressures.

“We do expect tariffs to impact this project because not all AC units are purchased yet,” Tatum said.